Candidates for IPS Commissioner

Dr. Bryan Duarte is a product of public schools and has been in the field of education for nearly 20 years, beginning as a substitute teacher in 2008. Before earning a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, he worked as an English and History teacher in traditional, magnet, innovation, and charter schools in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Texas. As the son of Portuguese immigrants, he has remained committed to multilingual learners and immigrant families, who too often end up in schools that don’t have the resources they need.

Today, as a professor, he trains principals and other school leaders. He also studies how school choice policies affect communities that have been left out. He is running for school board to protect IPS from pulling resources away from the communities that need them the most. For too long, some IPS board members have chosen to invest in new charter and other schools, without addressing the real challenges in our current schools. If elected, Dr. Duarte would support decisions that improve things for students and families who do not have many real choices in Indianapolis’s crowded school system. He imagines an IPS where every school is one that Indianapolis families are proud to choose. Finally, as a victim of bullying in middle and high school, he is committed to ensuring that every student in IPS attends a school that provides them with a safe and supportive learning environment.

This message is approved by Bryan Duarte.

Lindsey Cornett is an educator, writer, and parent living in Fountain Square. She is a former public school teacher who believes that high-quality public schools are a public good, essential to the flourishing of our city and our nation. Lindsey's three children have attended district-run IPS schools since moving to Indianapolis in 2019. As their family has navigated COVID, Rebuilding Stronger, and the ILEA/IPEC transition, she’s grown passionate about helping Indianapolis families find their place within our community’s public schools. She is committed to working hard to make sure IPS is financially stable and adequately funded; ensuring our school system is equitable, inclusive, and accessible; and prioritizing academics and student learning at every turn. Lindsey’s experience as a teacher, non-profit professional, and strong communicator will be an asset to the IPS Board of Commissioners as Indianapolis works to guarantee a high-quality, stable school system where every family wants to enroll and every educator wants to work.

This message is approved by Lindsey Cornett.

Dr. Nicole Carey is the incumbent member of the IPS Board of School Commissioners, representing District 5. A lifelong advocate for children and families in Indianapolis, she is committed to building a stronger, more stable future for Indianapolis Public Schools. Nicole believes families deserve consistency and predictability—parents should know that the school their child starts in will be there tomorrow, and trust that clear, dependable pathways will be available to their children throughout their educational journey.

Her priorities include securing fair and sustainable state funding for public education so schools are not forced to rely on increasing local property taxes, improving academic outcomes, and expanding opportunities that expose students to new possibilities in college, careers, the arts, technology, and beyond. She is particularly committed to ensuring that Black and Latino students, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities receive the dedicated support, resources, and high expectations they deserve—because a strong public school system works for every child, not just some. Every student deserves access to a high-quality public education that prepares them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

This message is approved by Nicole Carey.

With three kids who attend IPS and a background in education, Sacha Sharp is committed to a sustainable and successful school district where all children, regardless of background or zip code, can thrive. Sacha understands that public schools are an essential part of strong communities, and they require community support to work efficiently. She knows coalition building and strategic thinking will be important as we work together to guarantee our children receive the best education. Sacha has the experiences and skills rooted in areas that support students, teachers, and parents. With the purpose of making the district more equitable, accessible, and safe while improving transparency, Sacha Sharp is running for IPS School Board, At-Large. Visit VoteSharp4IPS.com to learn more.